Columbus hospital conducts honor walk for Lee County deputy donating his organs

In a ceremony Thursday at Piedmont Columbus Regional, a U.S. Army veteran who worked at the Russell County and Lee County Sheriff’s Offices was commemorated.

The hospital conducted an honor walk for retired U.S. Army Sgt. First Class and Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Hagberg, 55, who was becoming an organ donor. Family, local law enforcement officers and hospital staff lined the hallways to pay their respects.

On Dec. 28, Hagberg was hospitalized and suffered multiple strokes, according to Piedmont’s news release.

“With the support of his wife, Jennifer, Deputy Hagberg will be an organ donor — continuing his legacy of service to his country and community,” the news release says.

Hagberg was deployed to Afghanistan during his Army service, according to the news release.

“The need for organ donors is critical with over 100,000 people in the United States on the transplant waiting list,” the news release says.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.